Bang!!!

[Bearded bowyer]

Hello chaps.
This has never happened to me before!
I'm making a Ipe/ Oroko/ Ipe trilaminate longbow for a guy in London. The entire belly lamination glue line gave outwith an almighty bang!
The two pieces are perfectly intact. No damage to the timber what so ever, Its amazing to see. I will try to post Pics.

[DarkSoul]

I don't think I would rate Iroko as bowwood. There is just so many better woods around, that I can't understand why you would want to use iroko. This wood also has a particularly high silica content, which might have interfered with glue adhesion. Did you prep the iroko before glue-up? What glue did you use?

[Bearded bowyer]

I was using Oroko purely for the colour! I'm a sucker for a pretty bow.
The only reason I can think of is that the temperature in my work shop is currently about 5 degrees, and the glue just didn't seep into the wood properly, because it is so cold. Has anyone else had this happen?
Is it time to make a hot box............
BUT I did wipe the Ipe down with acetone before gluing up, but I don't think I wiped down the Oroko.
I use cascamite glue. I have never, ever, had a lamination come apart before, but I have never used Oroko before either........
I am going to clean the glue residue off the bow and try to re glue it.........it the warm 

All advice much appreciated.

Matt

[Bearded bowyer]

Whats the best way to prep the Iroko?

[PatM]

Had two Ipe lams do exactly that when I glued them up in questionable temps.

[Bearded bowyer]

Hi Patm
Do you use a hot box or just bring the staves inside for the glue to dry?
Matt